Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) just became the first medication approved for the treatment of binge eating disorder (BED). BED is more prevalent than anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa combined and is different in that there is no regular use of purging, fasting, or excessive exercise.

What are the key features of binge eating disorder?

An episode of binge eating is defined as consuming a large amount of food in a discrete period of time. There is no weight criteria for binge eating disorder and folks report a lack of control over eating during the episode. Binge-eating episodes are marked by at least three of the following:

Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry

Eating more rapidly than normal

Eating until feeling uncomfortably full

Eating alone because of embarrassment by the amount of food consumed

Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or guilty after overeating

Episodes occur on average for two days per week for at least six months

What works for the treatment of binge eating disorder?

Targeted psychotherapy and several SSRI antidepressants have shown success in the treatment of binge eating disorder but today brought news that Vyvanse has received FDA Approval for BED.

In two large studies, participants taking Vyvanse had a decrease in the number of binge eating days per week and had fewer obsessive-compulsive binge eating behaviors.

You may recognize Vyvanse as the once-daily medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—now it may also be used for BED.

Vyvanse is a schedule II controlled drug because of its high potential for abuse, and the potential of long term use leading to dependence. Stimulants such as Vyvanse carry a rare but known risk of psychotic or manic symptoms, hallucinations, delusional thinking, or mania. More common yet less scary side effects reported by people taking Vyvanse include dry mouth, sleeplessness, increased heart rate, jittery feelings, constipation, and anxiety.

About The GoodRx Medical Team

Dr. Sharon Orrange, MD MPH

Dr. Orrange is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Southern California, as well as a practicing adult medicine doctor in Los Angeles. She also has a Masters in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. She does not receive any form of compensation from pharmaceutical manufacturers for the opinions expressed here. Follow her on twitter at @orrangemd.

The GoodRx Pharmacist

Roni Shye, PharmD CGP BCACP graduated from Duquesne University and is a licensed pharmacist in the states of Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Her realm of pharmacy experience includes but is not limited to retail, compounding, and specialty pharmacy. Currently she is a mentor for Strong Women Strong Girls, certified thru APhA in Medication Therapy Management and diabetes, and an active member of The Ohio pharmacists association, LGBT, and the Women's Business Resource Group.

Elizabeth Davis

Elizabeth Davis is GoodRx's medical editor and consumer savings expert. She hand-assembled the GoodRx drug database and has researched virtually every available discount program and savings opportunity.

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